Workplace news in brief


Seven colleges strike

Lecturers at seven London colleges struck against job cuts on 23 June. The University and College Union called the action to fight compulsory redundancies. As well as job losses, colleges face campus closures and reduced adult education places.

Teachers walk out

Teachers in east London struck for three days on 23 to 25 June against plans to turn their school into an academy. Members of the National Union of Teachers at Sarah Bonnell secondary school in Newham are concerned their conditions will be undermined and the school will become unaccountable to the community.

Two other Newham schools also face academisation. The union plans further strikes.

Dave Carr

Colliery closure

One of Britain’s last deep coal mines is set to shut this year, at a cost of 700 jobs. Workers at Kellingley Colliery in Yorkshire have not been offered alternative employment. Britain currently relies on coal for 31% of its electricity. The Socialist Party calls for public ownership of fossil fuels to allow a swift and orderly transition to green energy with no loss of jobs.

Malik J Rofidi

Gallery stoppage

Staff at central London’s National Gallery started their latest ten-day walkout on 20 June. Members of public sector union PCS are continuing action against privatisation, and victimisation of rep Candy Udwin.